Many year ago there was a suggestion that the lions were the work of edwin h landseer.I cant remember the source of the speculation, but it may of been a local evening paper . I find it quite amazing that nobody knows who carved the lions. re portland stone is limestone unless anybody knows otherwise.

They say i have no talent and that I'm difficult to work with.And they say it as if its a bad thing

Nothing wrong with Limestone, down in my neck of the woods both Bath and Cheltenham have many building constructed of that stone and they certainly look well on it. I think the photo's posted earlier are terrific and nearly brought a tear to my eye when there were suggestions of replacing these gracious creatures.

(Both times when I had to go to court I gave them a touch on the way in and came out with a reasonable result)

In the superb 'Royal visit to leeds King George Queen Mary 1933' photo that hyperion provided there is what seems to be a young lad casually strolling close to the Royal carriage. I wonder why he was allowed to get so near? Perhaps he did it before anyone could react! It's possible that he could still be alive, so if so I wonder if he recalls the event?

From some posts I get an impression that it is thought I may be advocating that the lions are removed, but that is not the case as I think they are excellent features. I was simply pointing out that they look quite weathered now. Leo for the Lions

Hi Geordie, yes, superficial searching all says Keyworth, but delving deeper reveals evidence that things may not be what they seem - or that simple, I can't add any more on here at present, but keep an open mind for now.

Hi Geordie, yes, superficial searching all says Keyworth, but delving deeper reveals evidence that things may not be what they seem - or that simple, I can't add any more on here at present, but keep an open mind for now.

I understood that the when Winston Churchill came on a morale boosting rally the Mayor of Leeds was Hyman Morris, or maybe he visited more than once. My father came home and told the family about the crowds turning out and cheering the great man and if the Mayor had a very long beard I feel sure he would have mentioned it. I was only seven but the visit was often spoken of of in our house.